Flame Skimmer at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Flame Skimmer may be our most conspicuous dragonfly – the one most likely to be seen and commented upon by the general public. It is large, bright orange-red, and males perch conspicuously over ponds and lakes. Flame Skimmer is a bright orange-red over the body, and there is an extensive orange wash across the basal half of each wing. Males have a brown stripe on the basal quarter of each wing, helpful in identification from some other species. Males defending territory pick perches along or over the water, but foraging individuals may be found quite some distance away.